This week Educationally Speaking features a discussion with Pam Croom, who is the Workforce Development Director for the City of Hampton. Hampton is a part of the ACT Certified Work Ready Initiative, a national effort focused on building the local workforce through community-based economic development. Under the Work Ready Initiative, men and women can receive an industry-recognized National Career Readiness Certificate - based on their workforce skills. This effort piggybacks the Hampton City Schools and their unique academy system where students are tracked into a college/career course of study. Students are eligible to take a series of tests towards the National Career Readiness Certificate and subsequently receive college credit. Further, non-college bound students enhance their employment opportunities with the certificate. The program helps to create greater career pathways especially for skilled trade jobs.

Educationally Speaking is heard weekdays at 11:04 a.m. on 89.5 WHRV.